What is SkyGuardian and Protector?
The RAF’s future Remotely Piloted Aircraft takes to UK skies
A pre-production example of the UK’s new Remotely Piloted Aircraft called SkyGuardian, has taken to the UK skies.
This cutting-edge technology is part of preparations for the arrival of the UK’s version of SkyGuardian, called Protector, to RAF Waddington.
Here are five key facts to know:
1. Where will SkyGuardian fly in the UK?
SkyGuardian will only fly in approved areas once it has taken off. It will not fly at low altitude over population centres and a complete safety risk assessment has taken place for all flights.
2. How will SkyGuardian be deemed safe to operate in UK airspace?
Whilst flying in the UK, SkyGuardian will be governed and operate within Civil Aviation Authority regulations just like any other aircraft in UK airspace.
3. What will SkyGuardian be doing during its flights?
SkyGuardian will only be collecting performance data of its flight.
4. What if the pilot loses connection with SkyGuardian — is it safe?
Yes, it is safe — and in the extremely unlikely event that SkyGuardian loses connection with the pilot, the aircraft will follow a pre-agreed set of instructions while being monitored to land safely.
5. Will SkyGuardian be armed?
No, SkyGuardian will not be armed during any of its flights in the UK.
SkyGuardian will be initially based at RAF Waddington, the future Main Operating Base of Protector. It will then relocate to RAF Lossiemouth later this month to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior.
The UK has ordered 16 Protector aircraft from General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI). All will be based at RAF Waddington, the RAF’s ISTAR hub. The air station has been selected as the home of the Protector International Training Centre and will benefit from infrastructure improvements worth approximately £94million to assist with housing the aircraft ahead of its entry into service in 2024.
The UK’s Protector programme and the improvements to RAF Waddington are part of the commitment made in the Defence Command Paper to modernise the Armed Forces, which is supported by the £24-billion increase in defence spending over the next four years.
Protector will be able to conduct missions of up to 40 hours and fly in non-segregated civil airspace allowing it to respond rapidly and offer flexibility to deliver an array of military missions and support to civil authorities, including search and rescue.
